Way of the Samurai 3 debuts on Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 tomorrow

Thursday 11th March 2010: Leading video games publisher Rising Star Games is pleased to confirm that Gamebridge's Way of the Samurai 3, an open world action RPG, is out tomorrow (12th March) on Sony's PlayStation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360.

Way of the Samurai 3 will appeal to fans of both the series and RPGs, offering players a massive open ended world to roam around. Set in feudal Japan gamers must decide which is the right path to take; side with one of three warring factions - Fujimori clan, Sakurai clan or Takadane villagers - or go it alone, killing anyone who gets in the way.

Way of the Samurai 3 encourages gamers to carve their own way through the game by choosing their own dialogue and actions, which can result in over 15 different endings. Starting off as 'nameless', players can create their own samurai from different styles of heads and bodies, then it's up to the gamer to create a reputation, rise up the ranks and claim one of 50 different titles.

In total there are eight areas to explore: Amana Castle, Takadane Village, Monori Castle, Kuchihagahara, Guard Gate, Posting Station, Omiki Town and The Road and, in a first for the series, players can also draw their sword during any cutscene to commence battle.

While Way of the Samurai 3 focuses heavily on sword combat, there are over 100 weapons to choose, from swords and spears through to 'joke' weapons such as tuna and short green onion. There's also a unique Original Blade Creation tool, providing over 200 parts to create the ultimate weapon.

In addition, there are various sword fighting combinations to learn, unlockable items to find and options to customise characters with a variety of items gained by playing the game again and again.

"We're delighted to confirm Gamebridge's Way of the Samurai 3 is out tomorrow," says Martin Defries, managing director, Rising Star Games. "It offers an unprecedented amount of variety and freedom for the gamer while really making them think through their decisions,or pay the price and suffer the consequence of their actions."

Way of the Samurai 3 launches on 12th March for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 with two limited edition digital bonus items: a strategy guide, detailing an array of hints and tips, and a stunning artbook.

Rising Star Games Limited is a video games publisherfor Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo DS™ and Wii™, Sony PS3 and PSP™ in the PAL territory. A joint venture between Japanese video game publisher and content developer Intergrow Inc and long standing Nintendo Nordic distributor Bergsala AB, Rising Star Games is now in its sixth year of trading and has published more than 50 titles including the worldwide hit series Harvest Moon alongside the renowned renegade Nintendo Wii title, No More Heroes. For more information please go to www.risingstargames.com.

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